Ancient History: Jainism & Buddhism PDF

# Ancient History: Jainism & Buddhism - Numerous religious sects arose in the middle Ganga plain in the 6th century BCE. - Buddhism and Jainism were the most important. ## Causes of origin - **Post-vedic society**: Society was divided into four *varnas*. - These *varnas* were based on birth. -...

# Ancient History: Jainism & Buddhism - Numerous religious sects arose in the middle Ganga plain in the 6th century BCE. - Buddhism and Jainism were the most important. ## Causes of origin - **Post-vedic society**: Society was divided into four *varnas*. - These *varnas* were based on birth. - **Brahmanas**: Function of priest & teacher, claimed the highest status in society. - **Kshatriyas**: Function is fought & governed. - The cleaving tools made possible clearance, agriculture and large settlements. - Iron ploughshare required the use of bullocks to make farming flourish. - At that time, Vedic people usually sacrificed many cows & bulls for rituals, which condemned the population. - **Brides**: Earliest coins belong to 5th century BCE - They are called *punch-marked coins* - The use of coins naturally facilitated trade and commerce. - This shows the importance of *vaishyas*. - Naturally, these lower *varnas* looked for some source of income. ## *Varna* - Divided Society - *Vaishyas* and *shudras* seem to generate tensions against ritualistic performers. - *Kshatriyas* generate more reactions against the ritual domination of *brahmanas* - *varna* system. - This reaction caused the origin of new religions. - *Jainism*(Mahavira) - *Buddhism* (Gautama) were belonged to *kshatra* clan. ## Real cause of new religion - New religion was brought on by the agricultural economy in North East India. - This area receives a considerable amount of rainfall (100 cm) and the land was thick forest. - These forest clearances can take place through iron axes. ## Lived on the taxes collected from the peasant - **Vaishyas**: They are engaged in agriculture, cattle-rearing, trade - These three *varnas* were placed in the category of *dvija* *varnas*. - They wear the sacred threads and study the Vedas. - **Shudras**: They are known for serving the three higher *varnas*. - **Women**: Appear as domestic slaves, agricultural slaves, craftsmen & hired laborers. - The higher the *varna*, the more privileged and purer compared to lower *varna*. ## Digambaras - Those who do not wear clothes. - According to Mahavira, there is no existence of god lower than a *Jina*. - He did not condemn the *varna* system. - He mainly aims at the liberation from the world bonds — freedom. - Liberation, cannot be obtained through rituals, but can be obtained through: - Right Knowledge - Right Faith - Right Action - These three are considered *Triratna* (*Three Jewels*). - Jainas prohibited the practice of war and even agriculture. ## Jainism beleive in 24 *Tirthankara* - The first tirthankara is believed to be Rishabhadev. - Most of the early tirthankara were born in middle Ganga plains. - 23rd tirthankara was Parsvanath. - Many teachings are attributed to him. ## Vardhaman Mahavira - Vardhaman Mahavira was born in 540 BCE. - In Village, *Kundagrama* (Vaishali) - His father Siddhartha was the head of Kshatriya clan - *Ikshvaku*. - His mother, Trishala, belonged to *Lichchhavi* clan. ## In 468 BCE, in village Pavapuri (Rajgir): Doctrines of Jainism - Jainism taught five doctrines: - Do not commit violence. - Do not steal - Do not acquire property. - Do not speak a lie - Observe Continence. - Only this doctrine, *Ahimsa*(non-injury to all living beings, especially to animals, plants and humans), was added by Mahavira - According to Mahavira, his followers discarded clothes. - Further, his followers were also divided into two: - *Svetambaras*: Who wear white clothes ## Religion, which would improve the position of *Vaishyas*. - *Vaishyas* extended general support to both *Mahavira* and *Gautama*. - According to *Dharma Sutras*, people who live on interest are condemned by those who are *Vaishyas*. - Such as the basis of private property which causes social inequalities and misury and suffering to people. - Both *Jain* and *Buddha* asked to forego the good things, They were not allowed to touch gold and silver ## Initially, Imran in his life as a householder. - At the age of 30, he became *arhat*. - In the search of truth, for 12 years he mediated, practiced austerities of various kinds. - 13th year, he was 42 years old and attained *Kaivalya* (Jnana). - Through this, he conquered misery and happiness. - Because of this conquest, he was known as *Mahavira* or *Jina*. - His followers are known as *Jainas*. - He propagated his religion for 30 years. - He passed away at the age of 72. ## Spread of Jainism - To spread the teaching of Jainism, Mahavira organized this by appointing both men and women followers. - Jainism gradually spread into the south, west, where *brahmanical* religion was weak. - Spread of Jainism in Karnataka is attributed to Chandragupta Maurya. - He gave up his throne and spent his last year of life in Karnatak as a *Jaina* ascetic. - After the death of Mahavira, a famine took place in Magadha which resulted in the split of Jainism. - 2nd Cause: - After 200 years of Mahavira's death, a famine took place in Magadha, which resulted in the split of Jainism under the leadership of *Bhadrabahu*. - To protect themselves, they went to *South* India. ## Spread of Jainism - Jain literature contains *sutra*, *purnana*, novels and dramas. - They also contributed to the growth of Kannada language. - Jainas were not image worshipers. - Lord Mahavira’s immediate disciples were known as *Gandhara*. - They wrote *Ang-Agama*. - *Ang-Bahya-Agama* was compiled by *Shruthakalin*. - **Jain Council** - First Council held at Patliputra in the 3rd century BCE - presided by *Sthulbhadra*. - Second Council held at Vallabhi in 512 AD - presided by *Dwardi Kshmasramana*. # Gautam Buddha & Buddhism - Gautam Buddha was born in 563 BCE in the village Lumbini, Kapilavastu. - He belonged to the *Shakya* Clan and his mother belonged to the *Koshalan* dynasty. - He was married early but was not interested in marriage. - At the age of 29, he left home. - At the age of 35, he attained the knowledge under the *pipal* tree. - He took his first sermon at *Sarnath* (Lumbini) - He had a strong physique which enabled him to walk 20-30 km a day. - He spread his message far and wide and passed away at the age of 80 in 483 BC in the village *Kusinagar*. ## Doctrines of Buddha - He addressed himself to the world problem. - The world is full of sorrow - The reason behind sorrow is desires - To get rid of sorrow, desires must be discarded. - Follow the eightfold path: - Right thought - Right speech - Right action - Right livelihood - Right effort - Right mindfulness - Right concentration - Right memory ## Women in Sanngha - Women are appointed as the personality of Buddha. - Their method adopted by Buddha to preach his religion helped in spreading it. - They maintained poise and calm and tackled opponents with wit and presence of mind. - They used *Pali* language, which also contributed to the spread of Buddhism. - They also organized *Sangha*, whose doors were open to everybody. - Once they enrolled, they had to take the vow of continence, poverty and faith. - These three are the main elements in Buddhism: - Buddha - Sangha - Dhamma ## Gautam taught that a person should avoid excess of both luxury and austerity. - He prescribed the *Middle Path*. - The main items of social conduct are: - Do not commit violence. - Do not speak a lie. - Do not covet property. - Do not indulge in corrupt practices - To avoid intoxicants. - He did not recognize the consistency and soul of *varna* system. - It particularly won the support of the lower orders as it attacked the *varna* system. ## The Huna King *Mibiurakula*, worshipper of *Shiva*, killed hundreds of Buddhist. - *Shaivite Shashanka* cut off the *Bodhi* tree at *Bodhgaya*. - *Huan Tsan* states that 1600 stupas and monasteries were destroyed and thousands of monks were killed. - Coming of *Turks*, *Pollars* looted many monasteries and killed hundreds of Buddhists. ## Importance and influence of Buddhism - Trade and commerce enabled traders to accumulate wealth, which created inequality. - Buddhism asked people not to accumulate wealth. - Buddhism taught that if any poor give alms to monks, they will be born wealthy in next life. - Teaching were divided into three *Pitaras*: - **Vinaya Pitaka**: Consist of rules and regulations of monks' conduct. - **Sutta Pitaka**: Consist of main teachings of Buddha. - Five Nikayas: - *Digha Nikaya* - *Majjhima Nikaya* - *Samyutta Nikaya* - *Anguttara Nikaya* - *Kuddaka Nikaya* - **Abhidhamma Pitaka**: Consist of Philosophical analysis - *Divyavadana, Dipovasma, Mahavasma and Milind panna*. ## 200 years after the death of Buddha, Mauryan King Ashoka preach and propagate Buddhism. - Ashoka spread into central-west Asia and Sri Lanka. - Causes of the decline of Buddhism - 12th century, religion became extinct. - Early Buddhists gave up *Pali* & adopted *Sanskrit*. - They practiced idol worship on a large scale and received numerous offerings. - Buddhist council was becoming corrupt. - Buddhists came to look upon women as an object of lust. ## Code of conduct - Imposed restrictions on the food, sexual behaviour and dress of the monks. - They cannot accept gold and silver. - Cannot sale and purchase. - Buddha and *Brahmanas* (similar): Both of them did not participate directly in production and lived on the alms and gift given by society. - Both emphasized the virtues of carrying out family obligations, protecting private property, and opposing political corruption. - Buddhism always opened the doors for women and *shudras*. - Brahmanism, neither given the sacred threads nor allowed to read the Vedas. ## Buddhist council - First Council held at Rajgir under the ruler Ajatshatru. - During this, teachings of Buddha were divided into three *Pitakas*. - Second Council, held at Vaishali under the ruler Kalasoka - Third Council, held at Pataliputra under the ruler Ashoka - Fourth Council, held at Kashmir under the ruler Kanishka, along with *Asvagosa*. - Buddhism is divided into two sects: - *Mahayana* & *Hinayana*. ## Different schools of Buddhism - **Mahayana**: It literally means **"great vehicle"**. - **Mahayana** believes in idol worship and *Bodhisattvas*. - **Hinayana**: It literally means **" lesser vehicle"**. - **Hinayana** believes in the original teaching of Buddha. - **Theravada**: Is *Hinayana* sect, the most ancient branch of Buddhism today. - **Vajrayana**: It means **"vehicle of the thunderbolt"**. - **Vajrayana** is also known as **"Tantric Buddhism."** ## School of *Mahayana* Buddhism - Meditation, the most distinctive feature of this. - **Maha Sanghika** (Mahayana): This school came in 2nd Council. - **Sub-sect:** - *Loko Harvada* - *Kukkutika* - *Caitika* - **Zammitiya**: Sub-sect of *Hinayana*. - **Mahavira**, **Nayaputta**, **Muni**, **Samana**, **Bhagavan**, **Brahaman** and **Sugata**. - **Buddhism**: **Bragavat**, **Thagota**, **Sakyamuni**, **Sugata**, **Lokavidu**, **Araham**, **Jina** ## 200 years after the death of Buddha, the Mauryan King Ashoka preach and propagate Buddhism. - Ashoka spread into central-west Asia and Sri Lanka. - Causes of the decline of Buddhism, in the 12th century, the religion became extinct. - Early Buddhists gave up *Pali* and adopted *Sanskrit*. - They practiced *idol* worship on a large scale and received numerous offerings. - Buddhist council was becoming corrupt. - Buddhists came to look upon women as an object of lust. ## Code of conduct - Imposes restrictions on the food, sexual behavior and dress of the monks. - They cannot accept gold and silver. - Cannot sale and purchase. - Buddha and Brahmanan (similar): Both of them did not participate directly in production and lived on the alms and gift given by society. - Both emphasized the virtues of carrying out family obligations, protecting private property, and opposing political corruption. - Buddhism always opened the doors for women and *shudras.* - Brahmanism, neither given the sacred threads nor allowed to read the Vedas. ## Buddhist Council - First Council, held at Rajgir under the ruler Ajatshatru. - During this, teaching of Buddha were divided into three *Pitakas*. - Second Council, held at Vaishali under the ruler Kalasoka - Third Council, held at Pataliputra under the ruler Ashoka - Fourth Council, held at Kashmir under the ruler Kanishka, along with *Asvagosa*. - Buddhism is divided into two sects: - *Mahayana* & *Hinayana*.